West Ham United have rejected a loan offer from Aston Villa for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as negotiations over the defender’s future move into a decisive stage.
Villa have been exploring a move for the 28-year-old throughout the past week, but their interest has now developed into a formal proposal.
The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell reports that West Ham have turned down Villa’s loan offer, adding that the Premier League club have stepped up their pursuit of Wan-Bissaka.
West Ham’s response suggests they are unwilling to sanction an exit on Villa’s current terms despite remaining open to losing the DR Congo international this summer.
West Ham hold firm over Aaron Wan-Bissaka exit
Wan-Bissaka is valued at around £25million by West Ham, according to talkSPORT, which also reports Villa’s pursuit is now at an advanced stage.
The Hammers are in a strong contractual position, with the right-back tied to London Stadium until 2031 after joining from Manchester United for approximately £15m in 2024.
The latest development is particularly interesting because ReadWestHam reported only three days ago that both permanent and loan exits were being discussed. Aston Villa have now tested that possibility, but their first proposal has failed to satisfy West Ham.
Villa are simultaneously creating space at right-back.
Kosta Nedeljkovic is set to join Rangers on a season-long loan containing a £4m obligation to buy, a departure which talkSPORT says helps clear the way for Villa’s pursuit of Wan-Bissaka.
Villa originally opened talks with West Ham last week, when it remained unclear whether they would meet the Hammers’ asking price.
That question has now become even more important.
Rejecting the loan does not necessarily end negotiations, particularly with Villa’s interest increasing.
But if Unai Emery’s side want to take Wan-Bissaka back to the Premier League, West Ham have made clear that their first attempt is not enough.
